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CDC researchers say drug-resistant staph bacteria are becoming increasingly difficult to treat and also are causing outbreaks in schools and other community settings. In addition, many of the community strains are able to swap genes and become even more dangerous. "It's really a major epidemic," one expert said.

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Antibiotic-resistant microbes cause at least 2 million illnesses and 23,000 deaths each year, according to researchers with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As many as half of antibiotics are wrongly prescribed, contributing to drug-resistant infections. These infections could cost as much as $20 billion in direct costs and $35 billion in indirect costs. Limited or unavailable first- and second-line antibiotic treatment options push providers to "use antibiotics that may be more toxic to the patient and frequently more expensive and less effective," CDC Director Tom Frieden said.

A new norovirus strain, first detected in Australia last March, is spreading across the U.S., causing 141 of the 266 norovirus outbreaks reported from September through December, CDC officials said. They also reported a rise in outbreaks of sickness caused by the consumption of raw milk. The findings appear in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The CDC reported flu viruses, especially the H3N2 strain, are circulating in 50 states, 37 of which have been broadly affected. The report found the flu contributed to 8% of adult deaths in 122 cities -- which indicates an epidemic level -- while flu-related deaths tripled among children from early January to Feb. 5. Experts said this is "a very typical flu season" and vaccination is highly recommended.

At least 24 otherwise healthy, young people died due to Staphylococcus aureus-caused pneumonia during the 2006-07 flu season, CDC researchers reported Tuesday. The drug-resistant form MRSA was responsible for many of the deaths. The findings indicate that the disease "can strike otherwise very healthy people" and that it may affect planning for the coming flu season, the study's lead author said.

At least 24 otherwise healthy, young people died due to Staphylococcus aureus-caused pneumonia during the 2006-07 flu season, CDC researchers reported Tuesday. The drug-resistant form MRSA was responsible for many of the deaths. The findings indicate that the disease "can strike otherwise very healthy people" and that it may affect planning for the coming flu season, the study's lead author said.